Bucks' Zaza Pachulia hopes to be '100% for training camp'

Newly signed Milwaukee Bucks big man Zaza Pachulia derwent surgery to repair a right Achilles injury he suffered last season. The procedure took place in April, and he's since started working out. While he says he's been through "hard day," Pachulia told Charles F. Gardner of The Journal Sentinel that he is hopeful that he'll be 100 percent in time for the start of training camp.

"I'm glad it's over; the hard days are over,"
Pachulia said. "I had surgery in April and the first couple months are
very tough. Now it's rehab time. I'm on track. The most important thing is to
stay smart and patient. So far, so good. I should be 100% for training
camp."

Pachulia recently signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the Bucks, the team that he spent the early part of his career with. After spending a few seasons in Milwaukee, Pachulia joined the Atlanta Hawks. He's been a part-time player with the club for the past eight seasons.

While Pachulia is expecting to be ready to go for the start of the new season, his injury will prevent him from playing for his country of Georgia in the upcoming EuroBasket competition. While that disappoints him, he told Gardner that he realizes he'll have to spend the time getting ready for the 2013-14 campaign.